An Austro-German Ivory high relief of the fall of man, by Balthasar Griessmann(1620-1706), circa 1670-90

intricately carved with Eve handing Adam the apple, the serpent with the upper body of a child, entwining the tree and gazing down at the couple, with associated molded ebony base.

Baron Alphonse von Rothschild (1878-1942), Vienna

Seized from the above and allocated for the Führermuseum Linz, 1938/9 (reference AR 2910)

Restituted to the Austrian government, Kremsmünster depot, 1945

Restituted from the above to Baroness Clarice von Rothschild, New York, 1948

American Private Collection

F.Schestag, Katalog der Kunstsammlung des Freiherrn Anselm von Rothschild in Wein, vol.I, Vienna, 1866, p.14, no.90.

C. Theuerkauff, "An Ivory Carving of Judith and Holofernes and the work of the Master B.G"., inThe Register of the Museum of Art, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, vol.III, nos.5-6, Spring 1966, pp.2-35.

C. Theuerkauff, 'Zum Werk des Monogrammisten B.G(vor 1662 nach 1680)', in Aachener Kunstblätter, vol.XLIV, 1973, pp.245-86.

F. Wagner, 'Balthasar Griessmann (um1620-1706), Öberlanguagen ze einer Identifizierung des Monogrammisten B.G.,' in Barockberichte: Informationsblätter des Salzburger Barockmuseums, no.879, Salzburg, 1994, pp.334-40.

C. Theuerkauff,  'Baroque Ivories from the collection of Anselm Salomon von Rothschild in Vienna', in Apollo, v.157, February 2003, pp.15-25.

S. Lillie, Was einmal war, Vienna, 2003, p.1095.

 

RELATED LITERATURE

E.V. Philippovich, Elfenbein, Braunschweig, 1961, p.153, no.114.

C. Theuerkauff, Die Bilderke in Elfenbein des 16.-19. Jahrhunderts, Berlin, 1986, pp.226-230.

 

Very minor losses/chips including: a few edges to locks of hair on Adam, one on snake/putto's head, and one on Eve. Adam's right thumb is lacking as are a few fingers on putto's right hand. Some age cracks (visible in the catalogue illustration). Three small extensions to tree branches seem to be lacking (apprent because of existence of two dowel holes and one chip). The very top of the left-hand, uppermost branch is lacking. The tip of tail of the serpent (on reverse) is lacking. Probably due to age cracks the following have been reattached: the right side of Eve's upper body and edge of head, Adam's left arm (lower section), two tree branches. There is very minor restoration on tip of putto's right fingers and top of apple in tree. Overall, the piece is in lovely condition and is extremely well carved.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Until recent years, Balthasar Griessmann, a master in virtuoso ivory carving, was only known by his initials which were inscribed on a small group of ivory sculptures and decorative objects. The earliest known work by the aforenamed 'Master BG'  is the relief of the Passage of the Jews through the Red sea, signed 1662/BG, in the Abbey Collection of the Klosterneuburg, Vienna(see Philippovich,op.cit.,p.152.). Further examples of his work are in collections including the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the J.Paul Getty Museum, Santa Monica.